UK purchases long-range kamikaze drones to deter Russian aggression
Photo: The UK is buying long-range drones to deter Russian aggression (armyinform.com.ua)
The United Kingdom has signed an agreement with Modini to supply long-range kamikaze drones of the One Way Effector (OWE) type. This was done to deter possible future Russian aggression, Defense Express reports citing the UK Ministry of Defense.
The contract provides for the supply of drones for 24 months for a total of 7.5 million pounds (about $9.4 million).
The name of the specific drone being purchased by London has not been disclosed. However, according to Defense Express, the only known Modini development is the Dart 250, a high-tech jet drone with the following characteristics
- range: over 250 km.
- payload: up to 25 kg.
- features: navigation system with the ability to avoid terrain, which makes it effective for strikes in difficult conditions.
These drones can be used as part of NATO's Operation Cabrit, which aims to strengthen the Alliance's presence in the Baltic region to deter Russian aggression.
At the same time, as Defense Express notes, the design of the Dart 250 may resemble the drones that Ukrainian developers have demonstrated as the latest projects.
“And during the uncertainty about the appearance of the Palyanytsia (Ukrainian drone - ed.), it could be considered as such,” the agency writes.
The order for the drones was concluded on a non-alternative basis due to Modini's ability to ensure delivery in the shortest possible time. It is known that the first drones will be ready in 2025.
Experts suggest that the Dart 250 has already been tested in combat conditions and proved its effectiveness.
In early December, the UK conducted the first successful tests of high-energy laser weapons mounted on armored vehicles.
Earlier, we reported that the UK successfully tested a radio-frequency weapon for the first time.
